HC issues notice to Centre, state on acid attack victim's plea

The Gujarat High Court today issued notice to the Centre and state on a petition filed by a 25-year-old married woman, who was allegedly forced to drink acid by her husband and in-laws, seeking a compensation of Rs 14 lakh and better treatment after the state government allegedly refused to give her any compensation.
Justice RM Chhaya issued notice to the Gujarat government as well as to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Central government, asking them to furnish their replies by March 3.
In her petition, filed through senior advocate Nimish Kapadia, the victim alleged that her husband and in-laws, who live in Rajasthan, forced her to drink acid in August 2012, after she expressed her inability to bring dowry from her father, a resident of the Naroda area here.

The incident allegedly took place at Alwar in Rajasthan. However, her treatment is going on in Ahmedabad where her father stays.
The petition alleged that the victim was not given any specialised treatment at the Civil Hospital here, despite severe internal and external injuries.
Till now, her father, who is an auto driver, has spent more than Rs six lakh on her treatment, claimed the petition.

Despite seeking help from various authorities and government departments, she was not extended any monetary assistance as per Supreme Court orders regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of acid attack victims, it alleged.
The petitioner claimed that though the Gujarat government had introduced the 'Victim Compensation Scheme' in 2014, it denied her compensation on the ground that the scheme was launched after the incident occurred.

Though there were legislation as well as Supreme Court directions, the authorities had failed to discharge their duty in accordance with law, the petition alleged.
Through the petition, the victim urged the High Court to direct the state government to pay her Rs 14 lakh as compensation within a stipulated time.
She also sought the court's directive to the government for the formation of a committee of expert doctors who can render the best medical treatment to her.